The Dorm's 10 Commandments Ah yes, the dorms. Chances are, if you're an 18-year old freshman, your housing of choice might be the Dorms. What's not to like? Co-ed halls, 3 hots and a cot, and lovely bathroom facilities. All you really need to get by is in the dorms. So, if you have yet to move, in, consider this your cram session.
1. First, select your dorm hall in the summertime. Most get the chance to choose which hall to live in, but since the inexperienced student might not know which from which, it's a crap shoot if you don't choose.
- Desmond Hall. If you're 18 and want the best out of your college life, choose Desmond Hall. It's the newest hall, meaning better facilities, rooms and furniture, but most of all, other people your age. Definitely the hall of choice by freshmen. As long as you don't mind the noise, stay here and you can't go wrong.
- Sutter/Sierra Hall. If you're an older student that does not want to partake in 18-year olds partying until 2 in the morning, choose Sutter or Sierra. Both of these cater to older students that are a little more concerned with studying. The housing itself is a little flimsy, but it just needs a little decorating. Both are fine halls, but they are not really ideal for incoming freshmen.
- Draper and Jenkins Hall. Draper and Jenkins are both considered the "ghetto" halls, largely because they are so old. Usually one is closed down while the other is being "repaired", but there's only so much you can do. They're old. That's the way it goes. The second and third floor of Draper has great views of the pool, however. You'll be a popular guy in these rooms when bikini season is open.
2. Move in early. The quicker you move in, the more time you'll have to avoid long bookstore lines, and by the time your roommate shows up, you've already figured out what parts of the room are yours and what's your roommate's. Oh gee? Your mattress is jacked? That's too bad, mine seems to be just fine!
3. Rent or buy a mini-fridge. This is very important. Hit up mom and pops while they're moving you in and get them to kick down for a fridge. You will need this for snacks and assorted beverages of your choice.
4. When checking in, make sure you itemize everything in your room as being thrashed. This way, at the end of the year, you can't really be held accountable for it, since it was in pretty poor shape to begin with, right?
5. Mark your CD's. These things can have a tendency of walking off on the weekends, and how can you tell if the guy across the hall borrowed it? Only the Sharpie knows.
6. The D.C. The Dining Commons offers a variety of delicious meals, especially the first week, when you're parents are checking to make sure you're eating okay, but it has a tendency to go downhill after the initial 2 weeks. Rumor has it that the D.C. has been getting better, but stay away from Tater Tot Casserole and Special K Loaf. That's all I got to say about that.
7. Quarters are golden. You absolutely will need quarters. A hearty supply on laundry day is a necessity. The best time to do your laundry in the dorms is at 3 in the morning; otherwise they are usually pretty packed.
8. R.A.'s are your buddies. Residence Advisors are there to keep the peace, so be cool with them. If these people are your friends, the more likely they are to look the other way when you trot in with a conspicuous looking paper bag on Friday night.
9. Advil. These little power pellets will be your best friend on an ugly Sunday morning. Keep plenty on hand, because when you need them, you're not going to want to grovel with your neighbors for some.
10. Finally, Budget your time. You will not make it through four years of college if you do not study. Make sure to put aside some time for schoolwork. There will be times when Taco Bell or Playstation with your buddies sounds better, but you have to learn to put aside time to do schoolwork and nothing else. Find somewhere with no distractions and make yourself scarce.
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